The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age) have
been established by the U.S. National Institutes of Health JNC7, 2003.
☞
Further information
• If your values are mostly normal under resting conditions but exceptionally high
under conditions of physical or psychological stress, it is possible that you are
suffering from so-called "labile hypertension." Consult your physician.
• Correctly measured diastolic blood pressure values above 120mmHg require
immediate medical treatment.
2.3 What can be done if regular high or low values are obtained?
a) Consult your physician.
b) Increased blood pressure values (various forms of hypertension) are associated with
considerable health risks over time. Arterial blood vessels in your body may be
endangered due to narrowing caused by deposits in the vessel walls
(Arteriosclerosis). A deficient supply of blood to important organs (heart, brain,
muscles) can result. Furthermore, the heart will become structurally damaged with
increased blood pressure values.
c) There are many different causes of high blood pressure. We differentiate between
common primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension. Secondary
hypertension can be ascribed to specific organ malfunctions. Please consult your
physician for information about the possible origins of your own high blood pressure.
d) There are measures you can take to reduce and even prevent high blood
pressure. These measures should include permanent lifestyle changes.
4
Category
Systolic
Diastolic
(mmHg)
(mmHg)
Normal
<120
<80
Self-Check
Pre-Hypertension
120 - 139
80 - 89
Stage 1
140 - 159
90 - 99
Hypertension
Stage 2
>160
>100
Hypertension
